Svitolina reacts to Serena Williams’ shock potential return to tennis
Video credit: TNT Sports
Serena Williams has refused to quash speculation that she will make a sensational return to tennis.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, now 44 and a mother of two, stepped away from the sport following the 2022 US Open.
She said at the time that she didn’t want to use the word “retiring” and instead preferred to say she was “evolving” away from tennis.
She sparked comeback rumours when she re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December.
That was seen as the first step needed by a player looking to come out of retirement.
Although Williams denied that at the time, saying “I’m NOT coming back” on social media, she was not so clear when asked about a return on television show ‘Today’.
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams said.
Asked whether that was a yes or no to a return, she replied: “That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
Williams was then asked why she had re-entered the drug-testing program.
“Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
It has been suggested that Williams could return to the tour to play doubles with sister Venus.
Venus, 45, has not retired from tennis and played at the Australian Open after being given a wildcard.
She also played in Auckland and Hobart at the start of the season.
Elina Svitolina said after her Australian Open semi-final defeat to Aryna Sabalenka that it would be “amazing for the sport” if Serena Williams returned.
“She’s such a great champion and achieved so much, did so much for our sport and been an inspiration for women around the world. So it’s going to be a great story, for sure.”
Sabalenka added: “I heard that she’s enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her. If she wants to come back, that’s her decision. It’s going to be fun to see her back on tour.
Sabalenka gives views on Serena Williams’ possible shock return to tennis
Video credit: TNT Sports
“She’s got the personality, and she’s a fun one. It will be cool.”
TNT Sports expert Jim Courier believes a Serena comeback is on the cards due to how inconvenient it is for athletes to be on the anti-doping testing pool.
“You have an app, it’s called the Whereabouts program. So you give one hour a day when you have to be there,” Courier told 9News.
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“It’s a huge hassle. The players all moan and groan about it…and if you miss three tests during the course of 12 months, that’s the same as failing a drug test.
“So no person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves on that list, especially someone who has as much experience doing it as Serena Williams.
“Serena denied she’s coming back, but I think unless she gets injured, there is no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point.
“Whether that’s the mixed doubles at the US Open, whether that’s doubles with her sister somewhere, whether it’s singles, only she knows. But there’s no other way to interpret that.”
Serena and Venus won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together and three Olympic gold medals.
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